How do I choose between a fast whoosh and a slow whoosh?

Match the whoosh speed to the transition timing and narrative intent. Fast whooshes work for quick cuts and snappy transitions where you want energy and momentum. Slow whooshes are better for gradual transitions, dramatic reveals, or anywhere you're building anticipation. When in doubt, try both and let your ears decide which supports the story better.

Should whooshes be louder than dialogue?

No. Whooshes should sit below dialogue in the mix, supporting the transition without overpowering the narrative. A good rule of thumb is to set whoosh levels around -18 to -12 dB relative to your dialogue reference (typically normalized to -6 dB). You want viewers to feel the movement, not consciously focus on the sound effect.

Can I use the same whoosh multiple times in one video?

You can, but proceed with caution. Repeating the exact same whoosh in quick succession can sound repetitive and break immersion. If you're using the same whoosh type (say, a fast cinematic whoosh), choose variations with slightly different pitch, duration, or texture. Most professional libraries include multiple versions of each whoosh style for exactly this reason.

How do I prevent whooshes from clashing with music?

Use EQ to carve space. If your music has strong low end, high-pass your whoosh to reduce bass overlap. If the music is dense in the mids, emphasize the highs or lows in your whoosh. Also consider timing. Place whooshes during musical breaks or transitions rather than during dense musical moments. When done right, the whoosh and music should complement each other, not compete.

What is the best way to sync a whoosh with a camera movement?

Start the whoosh 10-20 milliseconds before the camera move begins. This audio pre-cue accounts for how our brains process sound faster than visuals, making the movement feel more responsive. Then fine-tune in 1-frame increments until the whoosh feels locked to the action. The peak energy of the whoosh should align with the fastest moment of the camera move.

Cinematic Transitions

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